The Lord Looketh on the Heart

The best lessons I learn are the ones that life teaches me. People have been on my mind lately. What do we know about them? How do we treat them? Do we take the time to get to know who they are, how they got there, and what their story is? More often than not I don't take the time. It's pretty sad. I have come to these thoughts by realizing how I would view some choice people from my past if I were to be meeting them for the first time today. It makes me wonder who I am looking at without spiritual eyes. Those eyes that look at others and see my beautiful brothers and sisters instead of strangers.

I would like to tell you a little about these people who have brought these thoughts to my mind. First let's start with the older sister of my childhood friend. As I look through photos on facebook it would be very easy to see her through eyes of judgment due to the lifestyle her pictures portray. While it may have been years since I have seen her I still see the same girl who I knew. A beautiful sister who loves her family and appreciates them for who they are. A fun and energetic woman who knows how to be a little wild and crazy and makes for a fun party. Someone who is going to make sure that you have a good time. She's a woman who has a heart to take on the world.

In my mom's family there are many who fit under this category. The one I would choose to focus on is my cousin who I just talked to on facebook. My cousin is in his mid 30's and just told me he has been married and divorced five times. None of which have lasted an entire year. If I didn't know what a great guy he is or the heart of gold he has then I might wonder what is wrong with him. While I do have an idea some of the struggles in his life I also know that he is still a person who is deserving of love and acceptance. I know much of his life story and I know there is a lot of pain and sadness in that story, but he's a good man none the less.

I have a fantastic friend who has driven me crazy at times with the choices she has made, but still I know the beautiful spirit that radiates from her. She in all sincerity is one of the most beautiful women I have ever known inside and out. Yet I know she has a lot of walls up and there are many people who don't get to know the deep and compelling person she is. I feel blessed to know a little of her soul and for that I love her. Through out my life I have been blessed with beautiful people who remind me that it is the inside not what is on the outside that counts.

In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says, "But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." How often do we as people judge others because of their appearance? I know I myself do it far more often than I would like to admit. Perhaps if I knew the questions to ask and how to listen to their story I would be able to see them more clearly the way God sees them. I might be able to see their heart and soul.

One of the most compelling and beautiful women I have met is a GREAT example of looking on the heart. Each person she meets she seemed to be genuinely interested in learning their story. In fact I was so impressed by her that I have considered naming a daughter after her someday. This month I am going to work to see others the way God does. As I do I will share the hearts and souls of the beautiful people I meet. Look forward to meeting some amazing people yourself. Take the time and get to know their stories. Share with me what you learn about those around you. I think we'll all be a little better as we take on this education.